Shocking photos show Mongolia devastated by climate change

A series of shocking photos have captured Mongolia's transformation into a desert in recent years, as climate change grips the Asian nation.

In the past 30 years, 2000 rivers and 850 lakes have dried up in Mongolia, the Huffington Post has reported.

The spread of desert across the country has had a impact on the nomadic way of life of a significant portion of its population.

More than 2000 rivers and 850 lakes have dried up in Mongolia. (Daesung Lee, indiphoto.net)

Korean photographer Daesung Lee has taken a series of artistic photos that underscore the dramatic change the nation is undergoing.

The photos show Mongolians in native dress standing, riding and herding along arid areas now devoid of grass, while a billboard with a contrasting printed image of lush greenery stands in the centre of the shot.

Mr Daesung said he was inspired to create the work to capture the way of life of Mongolian nomads, whom he feels will vanish in coming years if climate change continues to take a toll on the country.

Mr Daesung's photos illustrate the threat to the nomadic way of life in Mongolia. (Daesung Lee, indiphoto.net)